Philadelphia Eagles: Biggest Media Misconceptions About the Eagles

Philadelphia is a big sports town, and therefore, the Eagles receive a lot of national media attention. Unfortunately, they are often portrayed in the wrong light.

Whether it is ignorance on the part of the media, or simply a “wrong place, wrong time” sort of deal, the Eagles are often the victims of many misconceptions on the part of the media. This leads many non-Eagles fans to have a false outlook on the team.

The following are just a few of the many misconceptions that are placed upon the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles Have a Poor Defense

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The national media likes to blame last season’s disappointing results on the defense, and undeservedly so. Yes, the entire unit was responsible for some fourth-quarter collapses and often gave up too many yards, but it is not the sole culprit.

Michael Vick and his turnovers proved just as costly as the poor play by the defense. Yet the media still continues to criticize the defense.

The truth is, the defense was relatively good, especially in the final games of the season. Did it have its ups and downs? Absolutely. But once it started to gel, the entire unit started to perform at a higher level.

With a full offseason to build upon the late-season surge, the defense will only get better. The team also added key pieces in weak areas, which means that this defense has a chance to be dominant all season long in 2012 and put an end to the national naysayers.

Nnamdi Asomugha Is a Free-Agent Bust

This one goes hand-in-hand with the previous misconception and is—to be frank—laughable.

The media tends to blame Nnamdi Asomugha for the defense's sub-par play at times last season. While he did have his share of disappointments, Asomugha can hardly be labeled a bust.

Much like with draft picks, one cannot label a free-agent signing a bust after one year. Adjusting to new schemes and acclimating to a new living environment is tricky for any player. Worse yet, Asomugha did not have the luxury of a full offseason to learn all the nuances of the Eagles’ defensive schemes.

Also, it was unfair of people to expect Asomugha to be as dominant as he was in Oakland. He earned the reputation as a shutdown corner early on in his career, and as such, became less and less targeted as quarterbacks picked on the Raiders’ other cornerbacks.

When he moved to Philly, quarterbacks were forced to throw at him more because the alternative was throwing to ball-hawk Asante Samuel. More targets meant more opportunities for completions. I guarantee that if Darrelle Revis switched teams, quarterbacks would throw at him more and he would see his completion percentage rise as well.

So, before we all label Asomugha a bust, let us wait and see how he performs in 2012.

This Is a Make-or-Break Season for Andy Reid

Every year, it seems as though the national spotlight is squarely focused on head coach Andy Reid and his burning hot seat.

The media has pegged this year (along with every other year) as the one that will determine Andy Reid’s fate beyond 2012. Nope.

Unless the Eagles suffer a catastrophic meltdown and finish at the bottom of the division this year, Andy Reid will be around in 2013. Owner Jeffery Lurie and GM Howie Roseman are obvious supporters of the big man, and as long as they are around, don’t expect any changes at head coach.

Reid has proven to be able to handle the pressure, and this year will be no different. The Eagles are a safe bet to improve upon last season’s record, which means Reid is here to stay.

The Offensive Line Will Crumble Without Jason Peters

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In case you haven’t heard, star left tackle Jason Peters is done for the year with an injury, which means the end of days for Howard Mudd and the rest of his offensive line. Or at least that is what the media would have you believe.

It is as if they are under the impression that an offensive line is composed of a single lineman.

The truth Is that the Eagles have four other solid offensive linemen returning from last year and another promising one that is new to the team. Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis are the veterans of the bunch, and they proved to be some of the best players in the league at their respective positions. Danny Watkins and Jason Kelce are the youngsters, and while both had their share of struggles during their rookie seasons, they look poised to improve upon last season’s performances.

The newest member is Demetress Bell, who will be replacing Peters in the lineup. Mudd has been quick to heap praise on Bell, which bodes well for his future here in Philly.

Will the line take a step back without Peters? More than likely. But they still have enough talent and—more importantly—chemistry to be a top-10 unit.

The Fans Are the Nastiest Around

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This is what happens when you boo Santa Claus.

Philadelphia fans are always cast in a negative light as some of the meanest and most violent fans in the NFL. As far as the nation is concerned, they are only a step behind Raiders fans as the craziest fans in all of sports.

Yes, there are times where a few bad eggs make the headlines for the wrong reasons, but that doesn’t mean the media has to lump Eagles fans all together. They are rambunctious, loud and oftentimes over-the-top, but in the best way possible.

The media likes to call it excessive; Eagles fans call it passion for their team.